World Briefing | Europe: Austria: Haider Apologizes To Jewish Leader

By Steven Erlanger (NYT)

Published: February 1, 2002

Jörg Haider, the far-right politician, issued written apologies to the leader of the country's largest association of Jews and withdrew derogatory remarks about him. Mr. Haider had accused Ariel Muzicant of having a dishonest past, faking anti-Semitic letters and opposing democracy after Mr. Muzicant led a chorus of criticism against the participation of Mr. Haider's Freedom Party in the national government. Mr. Muzicant's first name is also that of a well-known laundry soap, and Mr. Haider had said: ''I don't understand how someone whose name is Ariel can have so much dirt sticking to him.'' In return for the five written statements of apology, Mr. Muzicant dropped legal action against Mr. Haider.